Tailored Sitting Tai Chi Program for Subacute Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neurology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Early exercise initiation in subacute stroke rehabilitation leverages unique physiological conditions for spontaneous recovery.
• Tailored exercise programs may enhance recovery outcomes for stroke survivors during the subacute stage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 12-week tailored sitting Tai Chi program on various recovery outcomes in subacute stroke survivors.
• To assess the effectiveness of sitting Tai Chi in improving motor function, balance, mood, and quality of life after stroke.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 160 subacute stroke survivor-caregiver dyads.
• Participants were assigned to either a sitting Tai Chi group or an attention control group.
• Outcomes measured included upper limb function, balance, depressive symptoms, activities of daily living, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• The sitting Tai Chi group demonstrated significant improvements in upper limb function (Wolf Motor Function Test domains), balance control (Berg Balance Scale), and sitting balance (Trunk Impairment Scale) immediately post-intervention.
• Secondary outcomes also showed significant improvements in the Tai Chi group, including reduced depressive symptoms, enhanced shoulder mobility, improved activities of daily living, and better quality of life compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• A tailored sitting Tai Chi program is effective in improving recovery outcomes for subacute stroke survivors.
• These findings support the clinical integration of sitting Tai Chi as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals recovering from stroke.